Former Norwich City star receives ex editor’s backing to clear name of rape conviction

A former regional editor is working to clear the name of a former Norwich City footballer convicted of rape.

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Don Hale, who has been involved in a number of high profile miscarriage of justice cases, has investigated the case of Ched Evans, who was jailed for five years in April 2012 after being found guilty of raping a 19-year-old woman at a Welsh hotel.

Evans, who scored 10 goals in 28 league appearances while on loan to the Canaries, is due to be released from prison in October, but wants to clear his name and return to professional football.

Mr Hale, a former Matlock Mercury editor, has decided to take on the case after being contacted by Evans’ family last year due to his involvement in a number of high profile cases, including Stephen Downing, who was cleared after spending 27 years in jail for the murder of Wendy Sewell in 1973.

In August 2012, Evans’ solicitors were told a judge at the Court of Appeal had refused him leave to appeal against his conviction.

A legal case is now being put together by a barrister to present an appeal submission to the Criminal Cases Review Commission.